Simon Ward
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Looking back on a successful writing career. How has your opinion of your first book changed? Please join Madeline Miller, Kami Garcia, Alessandre Torre, who among others, have also been invited to contribute to my article and share their thoughts about their first book.
Lois McMaster Bujold
I'm not really sure what you are asking for. For some writers, I expect first books recede into the dim mists of time and memory as an increasingly vague blur. The continuing series that Shards of Honor launched in 1986, the need for proofreading reprints of various kinds over the years, and new reviews from readers still just now discovering it has kept it relatively fresh in my mind.
It's... OK, I guess? At this point, 36 years on from first publication (40 from first starting to write it), I'm pretty sure of its survival in the marketplace, so I no longer feel much need to defend it as a covertly-economically-anxious new writer struggling to hold a spot on bookstore shelves. The kids'll be all right, as some song fragment puts it.
The characters from the book still seem to be finding life in some unknown number of readers' minds, which is the only kind of life they can have. So, all good.
Ta, L.
It's... OK, I guess? At this point, 36 years on from first publication (40 from first starting to write it), I'm pretty sure of its survival in the marketplace, so I no longer feel much need to defend it as a covertly-economically-anxious new writer struggling to hold a spot on bookstore shelves. The kids'll be all right, as some song fragment puts it.
The characters from the book still seem to be finding life in some unknown number of readers' minds, which is the only kind of life they can have. So, all good.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Gelis
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello! I wanted to thank you first, you are one of my favourite authors. I discovered that I have trouble introducing miles to new readers. Cordelia's Honor works with women, but they want a Cordelia book after. Warriors Apprentice- a friend said, fun read, but she did not crave for the next book. it really had me thinking. Maybe Memory is a good start for readers who shy away from space opera?
Tyler
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Strange question: I found out about your books from a recommendation by author Jim Butcher, of the Dresden Files. He said of you, "One of the Best craftsman working in science fiction today." I've since devoured nearly everything you've written. He also said, "Wants to have her Babies." Then clarified by saying, he would personally bear children for you. He's a big fan. Are you aware of this proposal from Jim?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more